Protecting your equipment?

[DavidHickey]

Had a couple of questions, I had asked it a week or so ago and had around 8 replies, BUT unfortunately it was the morning of the Great Scubaboard computer crash and it was deleted before I could read it. First question is, how many times does it take wearing a BCD in a pool before the Chlorine starts to ruin it? Just wondering after spending over 500.00 on a BCD whether I really want to wear it in the training pool at the LDS. Or does it take long term exposure to damage one?

Second question is, I'm new to diving so maybe I'm over protective of my gear, but does anyone make regulator protectors? If they do I've never seen them. But from looking back at the classes watching the regulators get laid down directly on the concrete and banged around I was just thinking I would have a coronary if I saw someone treat my new Apeks Black Pearl the way they treat the rental gear at the LDS. I know they make the regulator bags, but I was thinking of something like a neoprene cover or plastic form fit cover to snap over the 2nd stages. Anyhow if not I guess I'll just keep my Crown Royal bags over them!!!

 

[Diver0001]

On the first question; you'll start to see clear discoloration of the fabric after about 40-50 hours in the pool.

On the second part I don't let anyone else handle my regs so I can't give you a good answer. I have a bag for mine and it's all I've ever needed. I'm curious what other people have to say about this.

R..

 

[SubMariner]

Had a couple of questions, I had asked it a week or so ago and had around 8 replies, BUT unfortunately it was the morning of the Great Scubaboard computer crash and it was deleted before I could read it. First question is, how many times does it take wearing a BCD in a pool before the Chlorine starts to ruin it? Just wondering after spending over 500.00 on a BCD whether I really want to wear it in the training pool at the LDS. Or does it take long term exposure to damage one?

The effects of chlorine can be minimized by rinsing/soaking your BC after pool use. Get the best BC that fits your needs.

Second question is, I'm new to diving so maybe I'm over protective of my gear, but does anyone make regulator protectors? If they do I've never seen them. But from looking back at the classes watching the regulators get laid down directly on the concrete and banged around I was just thinking I would have a coronary if I saw someone treat my new Apeks Black Pearl the way they treat the rental gear at the LDS. I know they make the regulator bags, but I was thinking of something like a neoprene cover or plastic form fit cover to snap over the 2nd stages. Anyhow if not I guess I'll just keep my Crown Royal bags over them!!!

Do you expect a lot of people to be handling your gear other than yourself? Then it would be an issue. But if you are like most of us who set up & tear down our own gear, a "form fit cover" for the 2nd stages is a little bit of overkill. JMHO, of course.

 

[The Kraken]

A set of used golf club covers can help you protect your regs on a dive boat or other places where you may be concerned about them.

 

[Lead_carrier]

Had a couple of questions, I had asked it a week or so ago and had around 8 replies, BUT unfortunately it was the morning of the Great Scubaboard computer crash and it was deleted before I could read it. First question is, how many times does it take wearing a BCD in a pool before the Chlorine starts to ruin it? Just wondering after spending over 500.00 on a BCD whether I really want to wear it in the training pool at the LDS. Or does it take long term exposure to damage one?

Second question is, I'm new to diving so maybe I'm over protective of my gear,....QUOTE]

Second question first, you can't be OVER protective of your gear. Golf club covers are excellent. I like the yarn type, soft and cheap.

You'll start seeing discoloration fairly quickly but keep your bc cleaned and rinsed and it should last a long time. I'm still using 12 year old bc's in the pool.